ABSTRACT
Lubrication requirements for space mechanisms diµer in several respects from terrestrial and aviation applications. ˜e most obvious is the extreme environment of space. Environmental temperatures on outboard components can range from −100°C to 100°C, and some instruments operate at cryogenic temperatures. Vacuum levels are lower than 10−6 torr and radiation levels of up to 30°K rad or higher are not uncommon for exposed hardware. Furthermore, the inability to replace anomalous mechanisms (except for nonstandard case of on-orbit serviceable units) and the considerable cost of satellites have put a large premium on the development and application of robust tribological solutions.
